AZGFD accepting online applications for 2019 fall hunts

PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting online applications for 2019 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and sandhill crane. 
To apply online, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw. All online applications must be received by the department by 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, June 11. As a reminder, applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license to apply online for a hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid on the last day of the online application period (June 11). Licenses are available online and at department offices and license dealers statewide.
AZGFD encourages applicants to consider adding “PointGuard” when applying online for a hunt permit-tag. PointGuard ensures if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated.

All online applicants must sign up for a free AZGFD portal account to purchase PointGuard (visit https://accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register). PointGuard is $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application or through June 27, which also is the deadline to update credit card or debit card information. For more information about PointGuard, visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard.

AZGFD encourages all hunters to open a free portal account. The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their contact information, as well as their license and draw results history and bonus points, in their personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. A portal account is a mobile-friendly, convenient way to access the online license purchase and hunt
draw application systems.
For questions about opening a portal account, call the department at (602) 942-3000 and press “7.”

Plan for I-40 ramp closures in Williams west of Flagstaff

WILLIAMS — Northern Arizona drivers who use Interstate 40 are advised to plan for travel delays as crews return to complete paving, bridge and intersection work between Parks and Williams.

The following I-40 ramp closures and detours are scheduled while crews reconstruct the on- and off- ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard:

  • Monday, May 13, from 6 a.m. to noon, crews will close the eastbound on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard to complete guardrail work. DETOUR: Grand Canyon Boulevard traffic accessing eastbound I-40 traffic will head westbound on I-40 to exit at Country Club Road (exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40.
  • Thursday, May 16, through Wednesday, May 22, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., crews will close the westbound I-40 off-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard. DETOUR: Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit at Country Club Boulevard (exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Grand Canyon Boulevard.
  • Tuesday, May 28, through Tuesday, June 4, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., crews will close the westbound I-40 on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard. DETOUR: Southbound Grand Canyon Boulevard traffic will use westbound historic Route 66 and enter westbound I-40 at Country Club Boulevard (exit 161).

The eastbound and westbound I-40 ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard will NOT be closed at the same time or over Memorial Day weekend.

In early summer, crews will put down new asphalt on 17 miles of I-40 in both directions between Parks and Williams. The project also includes a final layer of asphalt, known as friction course, to further improve the roadway surface, as well as installation of guardrail, striping and signage. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

Motorists should allow extra travel time and plan for possible delays while work is underway.

For more information, please visit the project website.

State Route 179 to be restricted through Oak Creek for chip seal work

PHOENIX – Those traveling between Interstate 17 and Sedona along State Route 179 will need to plan extra travel time as the highway will be narrowed to one lane between the Red Rock Ranger Station and Chapel Road so Arizona Department of Transportation crews can apply chip seal.

Beginning Monday, May 13, crews will restrict SR 179 to one lane in 3-mile segments through the Village of Oak Creek. Drivers moving through the area should expect long delays as each direction of traffic will alternate through the work zone.

Flaggers and pilot cars will provide traffic control through the work zone. Flaggers will also be on site to maintain access to businesses, communities and local streets throughout the project area.

Drivers can also consider using SR 89A and SR 260 through Cottonwood as an alternate route between I-17 and Sedona.

The project is expected to last for five consecutive days and be completed by the end of the week.

For more information on this project and others, visit azdot.gov.